Chapter 1121 The new Marquis Zhongjing, the bold maid
Hua Lan gave birth to Zhou Chen's eldest son safely, which filled the entire Zhongjing Hou Mansion with joy.
This era attaches great importance to inheritance. Zhou Chen is now confirmed to be the Marquis of Zhongjing. Now that he has a legitimate son, it means that the Marquis of Zhongjing has a queen, which makes the entire Marquis of Zhongjing feel more at ease.
Zhou Yexiong was already terminally ill and did not have much time to live, but the birth of this child seemed to arouse his desire to survive. It was like a flashback, and his spirit actually improved a lot.
Zhou Yexiong directly took away the naming rights of the child and named him Zhou Ji. The meaning is very obvious.
Even though he is in poor health, he comes to visit his grandson every day, and every time he is full of smiles. Anyway, Zhou Chen has never seen him smile so brightly and happily. It is conceivable that this grandson is in Zhou Dynasty.
How important is career ambition.
Because Zhou Tong had just passed away a few months ago, there was no big fanfare when it came to Zhou Ji's birth and full moon. The family celebrated it themselves.
Hua Lan also officially gave birth after one and a half months. Because Zhou Chen took good care of her and her family paid attention to her, her confinement was done very well and her body recovered quickly.
After confinement, Hua Lan proposed to go back to her parents' home. Zhou Chen naturally would not object and took advantage of the day off to take Hualan back to Sheng Mansion.
As soon as they returned, they were immediately warmly welcomed. The old lady and Wang Ruofu happily surrounded the baby.
The old lady and Wang Ruofu are both happy for Hua Lan. With this child, Hua Lan's position in the Hou Mansion will be more stable. Who in Tokyo doesn't know that Zhou Chen will be the future Zhongjing Hou, and their Sheng Mansion
The eldest girl is the future Marquis's wife.
Recently, many officials' ladies have sent greeting cards to the Sheng Mansion, either because they want to visit, or to invite Madam Wang to the mansion, or to go to places like Sanqing Temple to pray together.
After arriving in Tokyo, Wang Ruofu felt a sense of status for the first time. She knew that this was not brought by her own officials, but by her daughter and son-in-law.
Son-in-law of the Marquis, she had never dared to think about it before.
"This kid is so good-looking. Looking at his little appearance, he looks exactly like Saburo."
The old lady hugged little Zhou Ji, with an extremely bright smile on her face. Although the Sheng family had no blood relationship with her, this child was not only the grandson of the Sheng family, but also the blood of her nephew and grandnephew, even if he was separated from her.
Even though we are far apart, we are still blood relatives, right?
Hua Lan said with a smile: "My mother said the same thing. She said this child is exactly the same as Guanren when he was a child. He was obviously born to me, so why doesn't anyone say he looks like me?"
Her words of pretending to be jealous immediately made everyone laugh.
"Grandma, why haven't you seen Minglan? And Rulan isn't here either. Usually when I come back, she comes to me as soon as possible to ask for delicious food."
Wang Ruofu said: "Your father, through his connections, hired the famous Zhuang Xuexue to teach in our mansion. Originally, he was only planning to teach Chang Bai. But then your father thought about it.
He wanted to teach, so he asked all the children at home to take Zhuang Xuexue’s class.”
Hua Lan was very surprised: "Really? Is this Zhuang scholar very famous? My father actually asked Rulan Minglan and others to go to class?"
She still knew her father very well, and he was a very face-saving person. It would probably not be easy to invite Zhuang Xuexue, let alone ask Zhuang Xuexue to teach a girl. This was not something her father would do.
Wang Ruofu snorted lightly and did not explain, but Hua Lan soon understood that the only one who could make her mother have such an attitude was Miss Lin in the mansion. It seemed that Miss Lin must have contributed.
The old lady took the initiative to cover for her daughter-in-law: "I think girls should also be educated, so I asked your father to go to Zhuang Xuexue to intercede, and Zhuang Xuexue agreed."
Zhou Chen said with deep approval: "Grandma is right, a woman's lack of talent is a virtue. It does not mean that a woman does not need talent, but that a woman must be humble and submissive. Therefore, if possible, women should be trained to study."
"Sanlang is right." Grandma agreed very much.
After chatting for a while, the old lady took the initiative and asked: "Sanlang, is your father's health okay now?"
Zhou Chen sighed: "It's hard to say, it's good and bad sometimes, but he has looked away from it. Now he just visits his grandson and walks with his mother every day without asking anything."
The old lady said: "That's right. When people get old, they should enjoy peace and happiness. It's not easy for your father, either. You and Hua'er must be filial to him."
"Grandma, don't worry, we know."
While they were chatting, they saw Minglan returning to Shou'an Hall with her maid Xiaotao.
Minglan is already eleven this year, which is not too young in this era. She has learned a lot from her grandmother and has become much more restrained.
Grandma waved to Minglan happily: "Come over tomorrow and see your little nephew."
Minglan walked over and looked at the swaddled baby. It was such a small baby and she was very surprised.
"so cute."
Zhou Chen and Hualan had dinner at Sheng Mansion before going back. During the dinner, they heard Sheng Hong say that he should be promoted after the new year, and he would probably be able to wear a scarlet robe by then.
Zhou Chen was not surprised by this. Sheng Hong had been in Tokyo for three years. As far as he knew, although Sheng Hong had not made any great achievements, he did a good job and had a good relationship with his colleagues. He was promoted.
Promotion is also a matter of course.
After all, Zhou Yexiong didn't last long. One night when Zhou Ji was more than three months old, he finally couldn't bear it anymore.
Before dying, he used his last strength to hold Zhou Chen tightly.
"The Marquis Mansion and the family will be left to you. I will definitely..."
When he saw Zhou Chen nodding, he took his last breath and passed away.
This Marquis Zhongjing, who had been strong all his life and lived for his family's palace, finally passed away at the age of fifty-three.
Zhou Yexiong's death left Zhou Chen unable to calm down for a long time. He didn't have much affection for his father, but he had to admit that no matter how cruel his methods were, he was indeed fighting with a goal. He had been fighting for his family all his life, even if
In the last breath of his life, he was still thinking about his family.
poor person must have something mean.
No, maybe he felt pitiful because he thought that Zhou Yexiong never thought so from the beginning to the end. Zhou Yexiong was willing to dedicate everything he had to his family, even his emotions and humanity.
…………
After the death of Zhou Yexiong, the Marquis of Zhongjing, the battles were much greater than when Zhou Tong died.
In just two years, the Marquis Zhongjing's Mansion has undergone earth-shaking changes. Within a year, both the eldest son and the Marquis passed away, only ten months apart.
During the funeral, most of the dignitaries in Tokyo came to pay their respects, and the atmosphere was grand. Even the current officials issued decrees to give Zhou Yexiong face.
Once Zhou Yexiong leaves, Zhou Chen will become the new Zhongjing Marquis of Zhongjing Marquis Mansion, and the Marquis Mansion will also usher in a new era.
After Zhou Yexiong left, Mrs. Zhou Xu went out less often. She stayed in her yard every day to eat and read scriptures. Her sister-in-law Ms. Cui rarely showed up, but Hualan often called Mrs. Fu over to teach her how to read.
He can read and read account books, play with his younger brother, and is very kind to Sister Fu. Sister Fu also likes and respects Hua Lan very much.
The Ding You system in the Song Dynasty was the most complete, and even people with status like Zhou Chen had to abide by it. Therefore, after Zhou Yexiong's death, Zhou Chen began to observe filial piety and temporarily left his position as Marquis of Yu, the capital of the horse army, and other
Work part-time and stay at home to serve his father.
Just after the funeral, the imperial edict from the palace came down. Zhou Chen officially ascended the throne and became the new Zhongjing Marquis. Sheng Hualan was also promoted and became a third-grade imperial concubine.
The Marquis of Zhongjing, as one of the best noble families in Tokyo, has a new Marquis of Zhongjing. Everyone is waiting to see how this new Marquis of Zhongjing compares to the old Marquis.
But considering Zhou Chen's previous achievements and the fact that he is highly regarded by officials, many people feel that Zhou Chen may be better than his predecessors.
Therefore, even if the old Marquis Zhou Yexiong died, no one would dare to underestimate the Marquis Zhongjing Mansion.
In ancient times, the period of observing filial piety was three years, but in fact it was not really three years, but twenty months. Some ordinary people did not even use it for one year. On the contrary, scholars paid special attention to this kind of filial piety.
And like some important ministers of the court, they say they need to observe filial piety for three years, but if the government allows it, it doesn't really need to be that long. One year less is enough.
Zhou Chen was not prepared to take advantage of others and began to observe filial piety honestly. He could inherit the title because he benefited from the Zhou family. Naturally, he had to honor this sentiment and observe filial piety to Zhou Yexiong.
More than half a year later, Zhou Ji also turned one year old. Naturally, there was no way to hold a wedding banquet due to special circumstances, so the family got together and celebrated Zhou Ji's first birthday banquet.
During the mourning period, no one in the Hou family was allowed to wear red or green, and all wore plain clothes.
Chaoyun Pavilion!
In recent times, the layout of the Hou Mansion has changed a lot, and Zhou Chen and Hua Lan's courtyard has also expanded a lot. They named the new courtyard Chaoyun Pavilion.
It was already evening when Zhou Chen returned to Chaoyun Pavilion from the ancestral hall. He saw Hua Lan settling accounts in the house and asked curiously.
"Where's stepbrother?"
Hua Lan raised her head and replied: "At mother's place, this child insists on pestering mother and sleeping at mother's place. I have no choice but to let him."
Zhou Chen said with a smile: "This boy is smart and knows that his mother loves him the most and spoils him the most. Let him go. Mother is alone, so it's good for him to accompany her."
Although Zhou Xu eats fasting and chants sutras, and has an indifferent temperament, she is really kind to her grandchildren, especially Zhou Ji, the eldest grandson. He holds them in his hands for fear of falling, and holds them in his mouth for fear of melting.
He is more than a year old, but he is already very discerning, so he likes to stay by his grandmother's side.
Hua Lan complained in disgust: "This little monkey is so heartless. If you see your mother, you won't want me as your mother."
Zhou Chen smiled and put his arms around Hua Lan's shoulders, and said softly: "Isn't it nice that he's not here? I can stay with you wholeheartedly."
After saying that, he kissed Hua Lan on the face, which made Hua Lan roll his eyes.
"Master Hou, madam, I'm going out first."
Cui Chan was very discerning and immediately closed the door and left without any instructions.
During the period of mourning, you cannot get married, and there are certain things to do about men and women, but in fact it is not that strict. As long as you don't go out too high-profile, there is basically no big problem.
Zhou Chen hugged Hua Lan and leaned against the bed.
"Official, my mother sent someone to tell me that in a few days, Changbai and Changfeng will end up in the provincial examination. My mother invites me to go with her to Sanqing Temple tomorrow to burn incense and worship the gods."
Nowadays, Hua Lan is already the wife of a marquis, and she is a lady of the third rank. In the city of Tokyo where there are many powerful people, she is also a lady of the highest rank. If she had not kept her filial piety, I don’t know how many invitations have been sent to her.
.
Although her identity and status were different, Hua Lan did not forget her natal family. For women in this era, the more glorious and powerful their natal family was, the more confident they would be in their husband's family.
Naturally, she does not need the support of her mother's family in the Hou Mansion, but she also hopes that her mother's family will be strong, especially her brother Sheng Changbai who will take part in the provincial examination this time, so of course she has to care.
"Then you go with your mother-in-law. If you want to take your stepbrother with you, you can leave it with your mother if you don't want to."
"good."
Hualan leaned in Zhou Chen's arms and suddenly remembered something.
"My mother also told me that the Duke of Qi heard somewhere that Zhuang Xuexu was teaching at my house, so she sent someone to find my father and asked his legitimate son Qi Heng to come to our Sheng Family Private School to attend classes.
I heard from my mother that Qi Heng is a handsome young man, with a face like a crown jewel, gentle and elegant, and he is a first-class young master."
"Qi Heng, young master Qi?"
Hearing this familiar name, Zhou Chen looked surprised. Did you know that there were still a few years before the official plot started, and Qi Heng would have already gone to the Sheng Family Private School?
Although Qi Heng is still young now, his reputation has already spread among the noble and wealthy families in Tokyo City. Everyone knows that the young master of the Duke of Qi's family is a handsome young man as rich as jade.
"Do the officials know about him? It seems that he is quite famous."
Hua Lan thought of what her mother had said to her, saying that since Qi Heng went to the Sheng Family Private School, Ru Lan and Mo Lan often had conflicts over Qi Heng. What made her even more surprised was that her mother actually let her daughter
The meaning of contact with Qi Heng.
She had been married into the Hou Mansion for two years, and had met some ladies from powerful families. She knew that all of these powerful ladies had lofty ideals. Their Sheng Mansion was just the residence of a fifth-rank official. If she hadn't married
Zhou Chen probably won't be looked down upon by others.
It is really difficult for a girl from an official's family to join a noble family. She was able to marry into a marquis's house. Speaking of it, it was entirely because of her grandmother. Without her grandmother, she would not have known Zhou Chen.
It is even less likely to be noticed by the mother-in-law.
So she felt that her mother's idea was too naive. He was the son of Duke Qi and Princess Pingning. Who in Tokyo didn't know that Princess Pingning had a high vision, so how could he like their Sheng family?
It's just that she didn't say these words to Zhou Chen, and she was too embarrassed to say them.
Early the next morning, Hua Lan took his maid Cuichan and his bodyguard out of the house, leaving his stepbrother with his grandmother without him.
In the study room, Zhou Chen held a book on war and looked at it carefully. The books here were all collected by Zhou Yexiong. There were all kinds of books, but the book on war was the most numerous.
It was really difficult to be a general in the Song Dynasty, and Zhou Yexiong was extremely capable, but in his life, the Song-Xia War was a large-scale battle. Unfortunately, in foreign wars, the Song Dynasty was as bad as ever.
They couldn't defeat Xixia, so they had to admit the establishment of Xixia regime.
Just as he was looking at it, Hualan's personal maid Caihan walked in carrying a tray.
"Master Marquis, you must be thirsty after reading for so long. This is the tea that my slave has just made. Please try it."
"let it go."
Zhou Chen didn't even raise his head and continued to look at the military book in his hand.
Caihan put down the tea, but he did not leave. Instead, he looked at Zhou Chen's side face, admiration flashing in his eyes, and walked closer to Zhou Chen.
"Master Marquis, you have been sitting for a long time, and my servant is pressing your shoulders."
With that said, she started to press Zhou Chen's shoulders, but Zhou Chen's face turned cold.
"go out."
"Master Hou."
Caihan was startled and did not bother to massage Zhou Chen. Her legs went weak and she knelt down on the ground.
Zhou Chen glanced at her with disgust and said coldly: "Take your tea and get out."
Caihan is the personal maid next to his eldest wife Hua Lan. She actually wants to use this method to gain power. It is simply disgusting. Do you really think she is the most powerful person in the country?
Although he is also a womanizer, he also has a bottom line. Caihan is Hua Lan's personal maid. If he moves, it will embarrass Hua Lan. Of course he will not do such a thing.
Seeing that Zhou Chen was really angry, Caihan was so frightened that she didn't dare to say a word. She stood up in a hurry, picked up the tea and fled the study.
Zhou Chen frowned slightly. This colorful hairpin was really bold. Even if it seduced him, it actually seduced him during his filial piety period. He really thought he couldn't stand the test.
This colorful hairpin can't be kept, but she is Hua Lan's personal maid, so it's not easy for him to take action, so he should wait until Hua Lan comes back to deal with it.
Hualan didn't come back until the next evening, and then had dinner with Zhou Chen at her mother Zhou Xu's place. She wanted to bring Zhou Ji back, but little Zhou Ji cried and refused to come back, and Zhou Xu was reluctant and had no choice.
Xiao Zhouji could only continue to stay with his grandmother.
"Official, today when my mother and I went to Sanqing to worship the gods, we unexpectedly met Princess Yong and the head of Jiacheng County. Princess Yong also invited me to her residence, but I didn't dare to agree and refused on the grounds of filial piety.
, Princess Yong’s face didn’t look very good at that time.”
Hua Lan looked worried: "Will I offend King Yong?"
Zhou Chen comforted him with a smile: "It's okay. Let's not say that the official family has no idea of establishing an heir now. Even if King Yong does become the prince in the future, we don't need to be too nervous. Our Zhongjing Hou Mansion is a representative of the nobles. Even if it is
If the officials want to move us, they have to find a suitable excuse, let alone a King Yong, so don’t worry about him."
Nowadays, the most popular person in Tokyo is King Yong, followed by King Yan, but Zhou Chen knows that neither of these two will be able to become emperor in the end.
It is said that King Yan was so bold in forcing the palace to rebel, but in fact King Yong was not much different. For the sake of his daughter's marriage, he even dared to kidnap and humiliate the sister of the current imperial concubine. He even intimidated Duke Qi and forced Qi Heng to agree to the marriage.
From all these behaviors, it can be seen that King Yong is by no means a good master, and Zhou Chen has no good impression of him at all.
"It's okay. I was worried that I would cause trouble for you." Hua Lan breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhou Chen hugged her and said softly: "There is no need to be so cautious. You are my Zhou Chen's wife, the eldest lady of Zhongjing Hou Mansion, not much worse than Princess Yong. Even if you meet her in the future, don't be afraid.
she."
Hua Lan rolled her eyes at him: "It's not as easy as you said. That's Princess Yong. You don't know, with my mother's temper, she doesn't dare to say anything when facing Princess Yong."
"Really? That's quite interesting. I'm really curious about my mother-in-law's expression at that time."